RH77CA 800 Meg. range?

[daman1]

Anybody know or have a good guess on the 800 range of a 77CA on a PRO-83?

i live right in town by dispatch so they aren't a prob. just worried about
the Mobiles(cars) that are way out in the country side.

also the 77CA is a BNC right?

thanks!!

 

[icom1020]

Yes the RH77CA is a BNC, also a sma version is available too. I use one on the pro-97. I know it is not as sensitive on 800 unless you live in an urban system or near a tower. Most scanners are broad banded but I haven't found an antenna that is broadbanded in coverage without sacrificing one band or the other. Carry an extra antenna like the RS 800 with you. It's a good VHF/UHF antenna, just not as good on 800.

 

[daman1]

I haven't found an antenna that is broadbanded in coverage without sacrificing one band or the other.

Yup i agree but from what i'm reading it's pretty good for broadbanding so i might try one,
just thought someone might know the range.

anybody has any thoughts please post.

 

[hiegtx]

anybody has any thoughts please post.

The reception range of an 800 Mhz system to a given scanner has a number of variables, besides the antenna. Certain systems are designed to only cover their specific area, with little signal outside their area of jurisdiction. Others are simply poorly designed or maintained. Terrain also has to be considered. Hills can obstruct your reception as well as your 'view'.

Using the RH77CA, there are several local systems that I can hear, in the metro area, that are probably 15 to 20 miles from my house (that is, the closest site). There are some others, the same distance (differing directions), that I cannot hear, either at all, or not reliably, because of either system coverage design, or terrain, or several other possibilities, none of them the specific antenna, A couple of those are closer than the systems I can here, using the 77CA antenna.

The RH771 is essentially the same antenna as the RH77CA, but seems, to my ear, to do slightly better on 800. Both do well on Vhf & Uhf. I use the 77CA on my BR330T, which has a few of those stronger 800mhz systems, plus most of the conventional channels of interest. I use the R/S 800 on my 396, which has multiple 800mhz systems on it, as well as conventionals. However, when I get out of the metro area, where 800 is almost non-existent, then I switch it to either one of the Diamond antennas, or a mag mount, to catch the Vhf used by most of the rural counties as well as the digital Vhf of TX DPS.

If your primary interest is 800mhz, then stick with the R/S 800 antenna. Only switch to the RH77CA if you need Vhf or Uhf help more than 800.

 

[BaLa]

it would be hard to give any kind of range numbers.
If you don't have it yet, wait till you get it and see if it works good (enough) for you.
It does OK on 800.

 

[daman1]

Thank you two for your posts,


where i live we have a little of both,the main system is
on 800, but they(Air,ambulance,DNR,Fire,schools)also use lower Bands(44ish-460ish)
once an wile to talk on,just want a good broadbander and i read on here good things
about the 77C.

i guess i'm not too concerned with range(800) because like i said i live close less then a mile from dispatch,but the mobiles is what i'm worried about.


Also do they make a 90deg. BNC adaptor so i could use it on my base? the port(BNC) is on the back(not top) of my 2030.

Thanks..

 

[mjthomas59]

You can buy a rightangle at radioshack for your scanner.

Also, just curious about the 800mhz system you monitor? Is it not repeated? You had mentioned you were worried about recieving the distant cars so i just wanted to confirm that you are monitoring the repeater output(if there is one) as opposed to the input.

As far as the Diamond antenna goes, i wouldn't bet on it in any contest for 800mhz. THe stock duck antenna has outperformed it in all of the times i've compared it in my area. Other than 800 it is the best antenna i've ever used though.

 

[hoser147]

Ive got both the 83 and the 77. The 77 rocks on UHF and VHF but on 800 the Rat shack 800 antenna is the ticket but it lacks on the UHF and VHF side. Check to see if it is repeated and where. Good Scannin.............Hoser147

 

[policefreak]

Hows the RS 20-032 magmount on 800 MHz?

 

[hoser147]

Decent but I still would prefer the RS 800 on a suction glass mount over it for something dedicated to 800MHZ. Got 2 of the 20-032s bout had three this weekend at the flea market for 3 bucks, the guy that had it thought it was for a am-fm radio due to the connecter.....................Hoser147